Ks2 articles

Take a step back in time when Britain was being regularly invaded to find out more about the fearless raiders who travelled by sea in their long ships to settle here and who have left their mark on today's society. Primary school teacher and children's literature lover Scott Evans shares his pick of the best Viking historical fiction that will capture children's interest in this most interesting and exciting (and sometimes bloodthirsty!) of times.

Terrifying ogres, nasty pirates, a rainforest adventure, two evil toy thieves and a ghostly boarding school make these books the perfect choice for sharing with your eight year old. Snuggle up and get reading!

Help your child get to grips with spelling with our round-up of the best spelling apps for primary-school kids.

Our classic books picks cover a wide range of subject matter and historical periods, but what they all have in common are great story-telling, excitingly unfamiliar worlds, and colourful characters to root for. Our lives may have changed significantly since these books were written, but their portrayal of the pleasures and anxieties of growing up remains as relevant as ever. By Emma Harding

Be awed by past and future science and technology in Manchester with a trip to one of the UK's most atmospheric museums, on the site of the oldest surviving passenger railway station and in the heart of the world’s first industrial city. We highlight what the Museum of Science and Industry has to offer parents, children and families.

Singular and plural nouns and how they're taught in primary school, plus how KS1 and KS2 children learn about the formation of irregular plurals and how to use possessive apostrophes.

Appear on a game show with Charles Dickens, cook dinner in a Tudor kitchen or go carol singing with a choir of polar bears. You're sure to have a fantastically festive adventure this winter with these 101 amazing and educational activities for you and the kids to enjoy together!

This collection of recommended books to read with your seven year old includes some lovely poems about the great outdoors and nature, a spooky collection of ghost stories, an exciting adventure into an Egyptian tomb and a journey into the magical, wintry land of Narnia. Curl up together and enjoy!

Short chapters, charming characters, hilarious storylines, beautiful illustrations and rich language make these books the perfect pick for seven year olds.

Enchanted horses, evil emperors, busking cats, strange gadgets, crooked kidnappers, a clever spider and a wizard with revenge on his mind make these books the perfect pick for eight year olds!

Make the events of 1665 and 1666 come to life for children (and for you!) with teacher Ashley Booth's pick of the best children's fiction about the Great Plague and the Great Fire of London. From KS1 early readers to chapter books, there's a historical fiction option for all ages.

World War II was a pivotal time in British history. These page-turning reads will give your children a real insight into what life was like for both children and adults, on the battle field and on the Home Front. By Ashley Booth

Enter a world of gods, legends and mythical creatures... Y6 teacher and kids' literature lover Ashley Booth shares his top picks for inspiring children's interest in Ancient Greece and its culture.

Street urchins, housemaids, pickpockets and foundlings they may be, but the characters in our pick of the best kids' books set in Victorian times are brave, resourceful and inspiring. Their stories bring the nineteenth century to life, from city streets to country houses. By Ashley Booth

The sights, sounds and smells experienced by generations of coal miners, some as young as seven years old, are evoked by a visit to the Big Pit National Coal Museum in Blaenafon, Wales. Our family testers reported back on a fascinating, thought-provoking day out.

Get set for an awfully big spooky adventure this half term with our top selection of 53 educational activities for you and your family to enjoy together – watch a flying vampire acrobatic display, crack codes like a World War Two spy, or even go hunting for spirits on the streets of Tokyo!

If finding out about your child's day at school is mission: impossible, try these alternative conversation starters.

Touch typing is an essential skill for today's tech-savvy kids, offering them a huge advantage with secondary-school homework and for the whole of their working life, but your child is unlikely to be taught it in school. Using typing tools can hasten your child's progress while also learning techniques that can increase speed and accuracy.

We review 6 of the top typing tutor programmes to help you find the best at-home learning solution for your family

Could you be your child's 11+ tutor? If DIY tutoring might work for your family, Mark Chatterton, author of The 11+ A Practical Guide For Parents, offers a step-by-step guide to help you get organised and offer your child effective 11+ preparation.